Monday 12 March 2012

Farncombe Estate brings UK’s 400-year ‘Olimpick’ history to life


A Cotswold leisure-learning centre is celebrating the UK’s true Olympic heritage with history courses to mark 400 years since the ‘Olimpicks’ first came to Britain.  
                         
In 1612, Robert Dover launched the first Olimpick Games in the Cotswold village of Chipping Campden, aiming to revive the spirit of Ancient Greece. This year’s London Games coincides with the 400th anniversary of Dover’s original Olimpicks.   

Farncombe Estate leisure and learning centre, near Broadway, is bringing every aspect of Olympics history to life with two Games-inspired courses: Competition and Conflict in the Cotswolds and The Olympic Games through the Ages.

The first, hosted by Cotswold historian David Snowden and experts from the Cromwell Association, will put the Olimpicks into a 17th Century context and include a visit to both Dover’s Games and Scuttlebrook Wake – two extraordinary examples of English eccentricity. The course runs from 30 May to 3 June.

In Olympic Games Through the Ages, a team of historians will lead a virtual journey from Olympia 388 BC to the most notorious Olympic Games ever staged, in Berlin 1936. This course runs from 31 May to 3 June.

Mandy Morrison, Farncombe Estate Programme Manager, said: “We want to spread the word that the UK’s rich Olympic heritage actually goes back 400 years and these courses will help bring this intriguing past to life.

“From Greece to the Cotswolds and on to London 2012, the Olympic story is a fascinating one. Thanks to the 400th Cotswold Olimpicks on our doorstep, Farncombe Estate is the ideal place to get into the spirit of the Games.”

Farncombe is a 370-acre estate with breathtaking views over the Vale of Evesham. Since it opened its doors in 2003, the residential venue has attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. 

With 11 dedicated training rooms, hundreds of weekend leisure courses take place every year.

As well as history courses, there are opportunities to learn about everything from painting with watercolours, singing Gospel or decorating cupcakes to creative writing, enhancing your digital camera skills or attempting Bollywood dancing.

To book your place on a course call 0333 456 8580, email enquiries@farncombeestate.co.uk or visit www.farncombeestate.co.uk.

Tuesday 6 March 2012

Everyone Can Sing - a weekend voice workshop with Dan Evans


Everyone Can Sing - a weekend voice workshop with Dan Evans
Have a lot of fun learning to sing or improving your voice in a highly supportive ambience.  Sing in tune, project your voice and move others with your song. All levels and styles are welcome and you don’t need to read music.  Dan has been running this course with enormous success for 18 years, students have come from all over Europe and many have been moved by the process.  Feedback from past students is superb:  “The course has been wonderful experience. Dan has a rare talent for getting the very best out of people.”



where and when
Farncombe Estate Adult Learning Centre, Near Broadway, Worcester  
Fri eve 27th April to Sun lunch 29th April 2012
price varies with residency & any prevailing special offers
phone 0333 456 8580

about the tutor
Dan Evans was told as a child that he couldn’t sing and was made to mime in the school choir.  Later, in adult life he attended a number of voice workshops which transformed his musical career.  He now performs professionally, singing with dulcimer and guitar.  As the UK's leading dulcimer player, Dan performs and teaches in the UK and USA, he has released four CD albums to critical acclaim and has won the hearts of audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

images
You can easily and quickly download high quality and high-res photographs from the Press Area of my website http://www.english-dulcimer.com/press_area.asp

further information - about Dan's voice workshop

further information - about Dan's dulcimer playing
TV, radio & film appearances radio, TV & film http://www.english-dulcimer.com/radio,-TV-and-film-appearances.asp

Farncombe Estate Centre's Fan Box

Where to find us and what we do

Farncombe Estate is situated just outside the Cotswold village of Broadway. We are approximately 50 minutes from Oxford, Birmingham and Bristol and easily located from the M5, M40 and M42.

There is a direct rail service from London Paddington to Moreton in Marsh which is our nearest rail station. To help rail travellers we offer a return taxi collection service from the station.

For a location map and further directions please visit our website.